The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Gauteng is pleased with the breakthrough regarding the online dating scam in the country which resulted in an additional arrest on Sunday, 20 March 2022 in Sandton.
It is alleged that between December 2016 and January 2018, the complainant met a “potential partner” on social media who introduced himself as “Mr. Allen Grey” a supposed prominent businessman in the Western Cape.
It was reported that a few days after they started dating, the accused, Omotese Ebor (40) also known as Tessy, allegedly continuously borrowed money from the complainant. He reportedly borrowed approximately R1.9 million for the stated period, stating that his bank accounts were hacked.
The money was reportedly transferred into different bank accounts, including R857 000 into Ebor’s business bank account. Guided by her suspicions, the complainant reported the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Johannesburg for further probing.
Authorities successfully secured a warrant of arrest against all positively linked perpetrators on this matter. A multi-disciplinary approach-driven operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and the Tactical Operation Management Services (TOMS) in Sandton, where Ebor was arrested during a church service.
Ebor was subsequently charged with fraud and money laundering. He appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today. The court remanded Ebor in custody pending investigation.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the authorities successfully traced the first accused, Fortune Nomfusi (31) in Makhaza, Khayelitsha in the Western Cape relating to the same allegations and apprehended her. She has since been granted an R3000 bail by the same court.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the investigation team for the determination and passion displayed during the tracing of the accused. “This was never an easy task for authorities to trace down the accused, but through their commitment, we managed to secure a warrant of arrest. We would like to caution the public who seek romance online to always be vigilant against the possible criminals hiding behind the name of love. Perpetrators out there may lure the unsuspecting and vulnerable romance seekers online for exploitation purposes as well”.
The case is postponed to Friday, 25 March 2022 for Nomfusi and Ebor’s second appearance in court.